kramer pacer classic anygood?

[KrazyKramerFan95]

for christmas im going to buy a kramer and i was wondering if the new reissue pacers are any good?

[OokraMoO]

My favourite guitar. It just plays so beautifully... I thought my cousins Gibson Les Paul was the greatest guitar I'd ever played until I bought my Pacer Classic 2010, and at 1/5 the price, I can't believe it tbh.. BEST.NECKS.EVER.

[shredder1997]

yes................nuff said

[jumbowolfe]

Here's a recent review:

http://www.vintagekramer.com/company77.htm




for christmas im going to buy a kramer and i was wondering if the new reissue pacers are any good?

[KrazyKramerFan95]

is the Floyd Rose Good?

[OokraMoO]

It's a Kramer licensed floyd, stays in tune great!

[espvh]

Floating trem or dive bomb only?

[NightRider]

Floating trem or dive bomb only?

either...depends on how you set it up:thumbsup

[OokraMoO]

Stock it comes kinda floating, can pull up about 2 steps, but I make my own tremolo stopper so mines Dive only.

[MrScary]

The best thing I can say is that I own four. I've opened for firehouse and played with Kip winger using mine. I'll not use anything else. Love them.

Eric

[JoeyM]

The reviews are great on these, and the price is right. May have to pop one of these in the pearl white and possibly upgrade the electronics. (if needed) I like that it's mahogany/maple construction.

[MrScary]

There's no need to upgrade the electronics. Even Satchel from Steel Panther uses the stock pickups. The 90R and the 91t are a perfect match for that mahogany body.

[JoeyM]

I'll take your word for it and give it a shot.

[OokraMoO]

I can confirm, these pickups fucking rock.

One day I'll drop an Original floyd rose in mine, but for now.. this Kramer one is fucking awesome.

[_xxx_]

There's no need to upgrade the electronics. Even Satchel from Steel Panther uses the stock pickups. The 90R and the 91t are a perfect match for that mahogany body.

Are you sure it's 90R and 91T? I'd assume it's the same Epi BHT pups like in the other models.

[JoeyM]

Here's the specs:

http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Doublecut/Kramer/Pacer-Classic/Specs.aspx

[_xxx_]

Wow, great, missed that :thumbsup Just makes them even more attractive :toast

[MrScary]

Three of mine are stock but I have a wildly custom one too. I'll post a YouTube clip shortly of the side by side comparison.

[mmmtacos]

uh no. Its 900r and 910t pickups.

Same thing? Idunno:scratchhe

[_xxx_]

Now what's 900R and 910T? They come up with new names every week?

[MrScary]

Same thing. Whatever they're called they rule. Check them out!....

[Blix]

These looks like great value for the money indeed, anyone compared them to their 80's Kramers and can give an honest opinion on how good they stack up?
I'm looking for some good Kramers on ebay now, but not much there that I want now.
Tempting to get one of these for a "starter" Kramer :) I hear they tend to multiply.

[espvh]

Out of stock 40-60 days.......someone sell me there's ;)

[JoeyM]

Check your PM. I sent you a link for an in stock Pacer Classic.

JM

[BamaKramer]

how about you see it live in action, satchel tears this up
<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FkZGYLt81z8?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FkZGYLt81z8?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

[MrScary]

My hero. LOVE Satchel!!!:thumbsup

Eric

[mmmtacos]

Not sayin they are bad, just that they number designation is not the same as the USA Kramer pups. But by adding a digit I would guess (and this is only a wild assed shot in the dark) that they are offshore versions of the 90 and 91t.

Like the way epis have pups built to the same specs as Gibbys but just made somewhere else.

I would love to snag a Classic and mod tyhe crap out of it. Looks to be a solid platform

[MrScary]

Like this?

This is my modded one.....

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2lIhD44flNY?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2lIhD44flNY?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

Eric

[KRAMER Classic I]

I plan on getting one--just not sure when.

[99 In The Shade]

Like this?

This is my modded one.....

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2lIhD44flNY?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2lIhD44flNY?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

Eric

Cool review!!
Nice tone too! What gear are you using there?

[MrScary]

Pod XT live direct into pro tools through studio monitors.

[espvh]

How does it stack up against the original Pacer?

[s_b_g]

you all know i love my pacer classic :) - but whatever satchel is playing in that video it ain't a stock pacer classic - his has a one piece maple neck with skunk stripe - something i would have loved to have seen on the pacer classic :)


how about you see it live in action, satchel tears this up
<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FkZGYLt81z8?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FkZGYLt81z8?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

[AlanH]

I've had mine for a couple of months or so now so I've had time to get to know it.

Don't get me wrong, the Pacer Classic 2010 has its flaws. It doesn't have the finish and woods/hardware of a high end guitar and the mini switch for the pup selector is a bit silly. I've also had one or two minor things to fix such as loose trem arm assembly, loose locking nut and awful stock strings. Also, I can't get the action as low as I would like it on the treble side simply because it's screwed down as low as it will physically go. Maybe the frets would buzz too much but I'd like to get lower to find out. A neck pocket shim may be the solution. It's low enough to play very fast anyway.

Now the good points:

The Pacer Classic 2010 is an extremely nice looking guitar with a retro vibe; the paint job is evenly applied; the finish is great at this price point; the neck is exceptionally fast and comfortable; the body feels just right in both weight and shape; the stock pickups are hot, bright, clear and responsive; the trem stays in tune superbly and; most importantly, it's an absolute blast to play (even out of the box once you've tightened things up and changed the strings).

In conclusion:-

-Does it need upgrading? For the vast majority of players I would say "No".

-Will it stand up to heavy use on stage? Maybe not but, at this price, just buy another one as a backup.

-Is it fun? You bet it is!

In essence, this guitar is superb value for money and I highly recommend it for beginners, home players, people who may want to add a shredder to their stable and amateur giggers.

Does this seem like a fair assessment?

Alan

[OokraMoO]

I'd say that's fair Alan. I agree though.. you do have to tighten up some stuff... I had to do the locking nut and my High E saddle. I never use stock strings anyway, they almost always suck, apart from that, mines been great!

[Blix]

I've had mine for a couple of months or so now so I've had time to get to know it.

Don't get me wrong, the Pacer Classic 2010 has its flaws. It doesn't have the finish and woods/hardware of a high end guitar and the mini switch for the pup selector is a bit silly. I've also had one or two minor things to fix such as loose trem arm assembly, loose locking nut and awful stock strings. Also, I can't get the action as low as I would like it on the treble side simply because it's screwed down as low as it will physically go. Maybe the frets would buzz too much but I'd like to get lower to find out. A neck pocket shim may be the solution. It's low enough to play very fast anyway.

Now the good points:

The Pacer Classic 2010 is an extremely nice looking guitar with a retro vibe; the paint job is evenly applied; the finish is great at this price point; the neck is exceptionally fast and comfortable; the body feels just right in both weight and shape; the stock pickups are hot, bright, clear and responsive; the trem stays in tune superbly and; most importantly, it's an absolute blast to play (even out of the box once you've tightened things up and changed the strings).

In conclusion:-

-Does it need upgrading? For the vast majority of players I would say "No".

-Will it stand up to heavy use on stage? Maybe not but, at this price, just buy another one as a backup.

-Is it fun? You bet it is!

In essence, this guitar is superb value for money and I highly recommend it for beginners, home players, people who may want to add a shredder to their stable and amateur giggers.

Does this seem like a fair assessment?

Alan

Sounds fair to me, and a not-so-good stock setup doesn't scare me, I ordered one this morning! :)

I plan to eventually replace the floyd with an OFR, and I have a few DiMarzios and SD's around if the stock pu's doesn't suit me.
Ordered a D-Tuna as well.

:toast

[Blix]

Woa, my stoke meter went through the roof, the real Floyd upgrade is happening rather sooner than later! Some guy posted a NOS Flyd on eBay at a great price, my finger slipped and hit BIN in a flash.

http://i.ebayimg.com/01/!B49gmgwEGk~$(KGrHqN,!jUEybcUlhBbBMr0SyNS,Q~~_3.JPG
http://i.ebayimg.com/01/!B49lQ2wCGk~$(KGrHqN,!hMEyroEFryHBMr0hpDUBw~~_3.JPG

:headbang

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140463490817&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

[MrScary]

After my first two pacer classics nuts needed tightening, I just did it immediately out of the box for the other two. My assaults were the same way. Lol.

My only complaint (as listed before and again I'm WAY reaching here....) is that I like regular size fret marker dots. If that's my only complaint I'd say these guitars are totally bitchin. My standard Kramer trem has held up to nightly onstage abuse. No problem!!!!

[jumbowolfe]

Satchel is playing the USA Pacer Imperial (at least the ones I've seen), not the imports. They've built USA stuff from the leftover USA parts. I think his Tiger graphic is also a USA as well.

I don't know how many parts Kramer has left for USA customs, but its not very many. I think they only made around 100-150 of those.

Congrats on the endorsement dude.
Mike





you all know i love my pacer classic :) - but whatever satchel is playing in that video it ain't a stock pacer classic - his has a one piece maple neck with skunk stripe - something i would have loved to have seen on the pacer classic :)

[Blix]

Can't let this thread die, anyone else buying Pacer Classics lately? :)

Mine was shipped today, with a couple add-ons:

http://www.dv247.com/assets/products/48621_l.jpg

http://www.apintl.com/images/DTUNAs.jpg

[99 In The Shade]

Ordering mine today or tomorrow :thumbsup

[espvh]

Mine should be here Thursday!

[Lune]

Hopefully when tax return time comes I'll be able to pick up another one for some experiments. I can't bring myself to tear the one I already have apart.

[MrScary]

Where are you guys finding these? Everywhere I call they are sold out!

[Lune]

Musiciansfriend, unfortunately.

[espvh]

Where are you guys finding these? Everywhere I call they are sold out!

I found mine "barley used".

[StageStar]

Bonganos' custom Bengal Tiger got in my hands just yesterday.It's a real beauty,I can't let it down!
Needless to talk about the looks,it plays awesome,didn't expect it to be so good!:thumbsup:thumbsup:thumbsup

To all you bros might be interested in the Classic...just go find it wherever you can,this thing really rocks,you'll be amazed!:headbang

[OokraMoO]

How come when I got the Pacer months back and was bragging about its playability people dismissed me as lying? xD

[Vengeance]

I am amazed... :happy1

[Full Bug]

Satchel doesn't play the import Pacer Classics .......... he plays the USA made re-issue Pacer Imperials. He has the stock trans red, the custom bengal and the custom white one. The Gibson/Kramer dude that posts here mentioned quite awhile back that they were making him a white one way before the Pacer Classics were announced.

That is why his look and sound different :toast


you all know i love my pacer classic :) - but whatever satchel is playing in that video it ain't a stock pacer classic - his has a one piece maple neck with skunk stripe - something i would have loved to have seen on the pacer classic :)

[Blix]

And my Pacer Classic is in!!!!!!!!

First impression after 10 minutes on it:

Love the neck, just the right size. I could have like taller frets, but I'll get used to it.
Volume pots are junk, more on/off than gradual, and double volumes suck for me, that'll change for sure. Pickups sounds decent, but a bit too hot me thinks.
Setup is decent, needed a little neck relief.

I'll make a separate thread on it, it will go through some changes eventually :)

[JoeyM]

And my Pacer Classic is in!!!!!!!!

First impression after 10 minutes on it:

Love the neck, just the right size. I could have like taller frets, but I'll get used to it.
Volume pots are junk, more on/off than gradual, and double volumes suck for me, that'll change for sure. Pickups sounds decent, but a bit too hot me thinks.
Setup is decent, needed a little neck relief.

I'll make a separate thread on it, it will go through some changes eventually :)

Nice!

Congrats!:thumbsup

[Blix]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5081315886_a7e2eb7ea8_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5081315654_27779bf3f2_b.jpg

[MrScary]

The volume pots do that on purpose. It's called the treble bleed mod. I love the fact that each pickup has it's own volume. I do some pretty cool effects with it.

[Blix]

Cool, I'l snip the cap on the volume pots, I don't like it at all. We'll see if I can get used to the dual volumes, it's cool for using the pickup selector as a killswitch... :)

[JoeyM]

Really like the white!

[99 In The Shade]

A beauty!!!
Still have to wait for mine :-x Not in stock but they ensured me they get new ones in the next few days.
Maple necks look so cool :drool:drool

[IanFraser]

So you guys would say that the pickups are decent in these? Similar to a duncan or something? I currently have the vanguard and the striker with the quads, they're alright, little muddy though.

[errbt]

So you guys would say that the pickups are decent in these? Similar to a duncan or something? I currently have the vanguard and the striker with the quads, they're alright, little muddy though.

From what I remember people saying, for cheaper non-Duncan PUPs, the ones in the Pacer Classic are not bad at all...certainly better sounding (and more versatile) than quad rails. Quad rails just do not sound good for anything but heavy distortion, and even then, as you said, they can be muddy. On clean, though, it's all mud, all the time! :D

[Blix]

Personally I think the stock pickups are crap, sure not comparable to any Duncan or DiMarzio. The neck pickup us usable, but I couldn't get rid of the bridge pickup fast enough.
They also comes with linear pots, which doesn't help. But they are fixing that at least.

[_xxx_]

Those pups are not high-end but they're definitely decent. No hum, no unwanted feedback, enough "oomph" and they like harmonics.

[VooDoo666]

I (personally) definately prefer the pups we use now over the quads. Yes, they aren't a Duncan JB or other high end pup, but these are in a $369 guitar and for that range I think they sound really good, better than most at this price level a guitar. It's a guitar meant for the beginner to intermediate player and are more than suitable...
It's why the upper range are coming out with Duncans and EMG...they are focused for the more advanced and seasoned players who are looking for a more professional tone.

[Blix]

I (personally) definately prefer the pups we use now over the quads. Yes, they aren't a Duncan JB or other high end pup, but these are in a $369 guitar and for that range I think they sound really good, better than most at this price level a guitar. It's a guitar meant for the beginner to intermediate player and are more than suitable...
It's why the upper range are coming out with Duncans and EMG...they are focused for the more advanced and seasoned players who are looking for a more professional tone.


For sure. But someone asked... :)

I wasn't expecting Duncan quality from such a cheap guitar anyway. After a few upgrades my pacer Classic hangs with guitars quite a bit more expensive.
Well ok, I spent a lot upgrading it, but it rocks :)

[JDW]

I would like to get one but not a fan of the beak head on the neck.Too bad they cant do one with a 87 up style pointy neck.

Jake

[sixstring]

not a fan of the beak head on the neck.

Jake

Blasphemy I say!! :D JK. :toast

[IanFraser]

Would anyone mind if they have one, taking some pictures of the pacer? front back, close up etc..? Only if it is no trouble :) And inbox/ personal message me them?

Would be much appreciated!

Cheers Ian

[jumbowolfe]

http://www.vintagekramer.com/Pacer/classic/classic-bodyportrait.jpeg

http://www.vintagekramer.com/Pacer/classic/pacer-classic-back.jpeg

http://www.vintagekramer.com/Pacer/classic/neckplate.jpeg

http://www.vintagekramer.com/Pacer/classic/classic-frontback.jpeg

http://www.kramerguitars.com/press/P_PacerClassic-CR.jpg

[AlanH]

I have some pics of mine on a photobucket album:

http://s761.photobucket.com/albums/xx259/AlanH_album/Kramer%20Pacer%20Classic%202010/


And about the stock 900R/910T pickups........they have the look of high end pups in terms of their composition and their build quality and they sound bright and articulate. To my ears, they are by no means muddy and I hate muddy pups. Indeed I have wondered whether they are, in fact, 90R/91Ts.

I love the Seymour Duncan JB and the Gibson 490T; both of which have a nice mid to high end bite and lots of clarity. However, I don't feel the need to swap out to JBs on my Pacer Classic. They're not like the muddy units you get on Epiphone LPs.

I know Mr. Voodoo is the boss so could be accused of being biased. However, he's dead right when he says that the pups on the PC are well above the standard of those you usually get on similar priced guitars.

Alan

[cj5150]

you have to stop talking the classic up, you're making it hard to wait for the vintage series pacer. :D

[OokraMoO]

Damnit Jumbo you lucky sod, you got a Pacer with the neck all the same colour like I wanted :(

[Sluggy]

Did we ever find out if the pickups are 90r's And 91t's??

[Ed Hunter]

My favourite guitar. It just plays so beautifully... I thought my cousins Gibson Les Paul was the greatest guitar I'd ever played until I bought my Pacer Classic 2010, and at 1/5 the price, I can't believe it tbh.. BEST.NECKS.EVER.

You guys gotta hear the tone he gets from his pacer!
all he did was put in a duncan Custom-custom:thumbsup

[Scott Granger]

I really like the Pacer Classics, but (in my experience only), have spotted some QC issues in the 3 that have come my way:

(1) trem achor lifting/related paint problem;

(2) first fret totally lifted out on one end (tang showing);

(3) reverse wiring, i.e., when bridge pup is selected, volume pot 1 controls it....when neck is selected, you use volume pot 2 (middle knob).

I'm not trying to discourage anyone on these. I really like them. It's just that the first 3 I had came with these issues. I could live with #3 above. Other than wishing it were white, it's a fine guitar for the $199 I paid for it.

[OokraMoO]

#3 is not a issue, it's meant to be this way, independant volume controls for each pickup.

Very handy to set the neck pickup clean for those songs like Hot for Teacher so instead of switching amp channels or something you can just flick the pickup selector to the neck.

[Scott Granger]

#3 is not a issue, it's meant to be this way, independant volume controls for each pickup.

Very handy to set the neck pickup clean for those songs like Hot for Teacher so instead of switching amp channels or something you can just flick the pickup selector to the neck.

I understand the independent volume controls, but shouldn't the PUP selector switch, when flicked towards the neck, be volume-controlled by the first knob? My neck PUP volume is controlled by the middle knob, with the volume for the bridge being controlled by the first knob.

[DarthPhineas]

I agree. I changed the pots back around so the pot closest to the neck controls the neck pup and the pot closest to the bridge controls that bridge. more of a single pot guy, but I'm giving this one a chance.

[OokraMoO]

The 2nd knob is harder to get to. You play on the bridge pickup most of the time I imagine, so you would want the bridge volume there first right at your fingertips. Pretty much every guitar I've ever played has been like this except a Les Paul, but it's okay on those because they are vertical.

[VooDoo666]

The 2nd knob is harder to get to. You play on the bridge pickup most of the time I imagine, so you would want the bridge volume there first right at your fingertips. Pretty much every guitar I've ever played has been like this except a Les Paul, but it's okay on those because they are vertical.

That's exactly why we did it. It's friendlier for most guitarists this way. It's also nice to set the neck volume you like and with it out of the way, less chance of bumping it for when you make the switch.
We ran this through the lot of players here at the shop (about 20) and the bridge control being first won by a margin of 80%-20%.